2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Buick Encore GX

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a combination that had defined the brand since its inception. Originating from the rugged Series I off-roader, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 capabilities, appealing to affluent British landowners. By 2012, the current-generation Range Rover had been introduced, offering a variety of trims such as HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof, with options for heated rear seats and a 19-speaker Meridian audio system. The Autobiography trim added massaging front seats and quad-zone climate control, while the SVAutobiography boasted nearly every available feature, emphasizing its unique styling.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Encore GX was celebrated for its stylish design, a significant improvement over its predecessor, the original Encore. Available in Preferred, Select, and Essence trims, the Encore GX offered a Sport Touring package for a sportier look. Buyers could choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines available. The test model featured the Essence trim with a 1.3-liter turbo engine, priced at $35,065 with options. Despite its premium positioning, the Encore GX's interior quality was typical for the small SUV segment, with some ergonomic issues like hard-to-read gauges and a vibrating head-up display. Buick offered significant discounts to make the Encore GX more appealing, especially to current GM customers.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, with a plug-in hybrid option offering 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim boasted a 5.0-liter V8 tuned to 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Range Rover's electronic air suspension and automatic load leveling provided a comfortable ride, while its Terrain Response System offered various drive modes for different conditions.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX featured turbocharged three-cylinder engines, with the standard 1.2-liter engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The more powerful 1.3-liter engine delivered 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The Encore GX's driving experience was described as adequate, with enough power for highway cruising. FWD models had a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models used a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Encore GX's ride quality was criticized for being too brittle over rough roads and too soft over speed humps. Despite Buick's QuietTuning efforts, the cabin wasn't particularly quiet. The Encore GX excelled on narrow, winding roads, thanks to its nimble size and decent tire grip. Fuel economy averaged 28.2 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: LWB and SWB, with standard seating for five. The optional second-row captain’s chairs reduced seating to four but enhanced comfort, especially in the LWB version. The SWB model provided 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model offered 77.5 cubic feet. The Range Rover featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece configuration, making it easier to load large items. The front row had a convenient center-console compartment, and both front and rear doors offered decent storage space.

In the 2021 Buick Encore GX, the front seats were supportive for long drives, with power-adjustable options and heated features. However, the back seat was less comfortable, with limited legroom and a low, flat cushion. Interior storage was good, with a trunk offering 23.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle included a hands-free power liftgate and a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying long items. Despite its compact size, the Encore GX provided thoughtful storage solutions.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, and stereo functions, while the lower screen controlled climate settings and Terrain Response modes. The system's integrated dials changed functions based on the selected menu. The Range Rover also included a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display. While the system had a learning curve and occasional lag issues, it offered a comprehensive digital experience.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Advanced Technology Package added navigation, voice recognition, and a surround-view camera. Despite the added features, the test car lacked the available Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system was praised for its quick response, user-friendly interface, and innovative steering wheel controls.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features such as low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover offered a solid list of safety features, some competitors provided more standard equipment.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX came with Buick Driver Confidence, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Blind-spot monitoring was standard on higher trims, and adaptive cruise control was available. The Encore GX also featured Teen Driver technology and automatic collision notification. In crash tests, it earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested it.